By George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described Akwa Ibom State as a shining example of unity, development and progress in Nigeria, while commending Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to infrastructure, human capital development and continuity in governance.
Akpabio spoke on Tuesday as Special Guest of Honour at the official commissioning of the Airbus A220-300 Series aircraft acquired by Ibom Air at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
A statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying the commissioning marked another milestone in the development of the state.
“With the commissioning of today, Akwa Ibom State has become the shining example of unity, development and progress in Nigeria,” he said.
The Senate President commended Eno for the transformation taking place in the state, particularly the administration’s investment in human capital and the training of Akwa Ibom indigenes for careers in the aviation industry.
“Thank you for the transformation you have brought to the state. Everyone that appreciates your efforts and prays for you shall continue to live long to see the developments you are doing in the state. The unity of this state remains paramount. I stand on Arise in this state and at the federal level, we all stand on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Akpabio said.
He also praised Eno for continuing projects inherited from previous administrations, saying the decision demonstrated commitment to the interests of the people.
“Thank you Governor Eno for not abandoning the money of Akwa Ibom people. You have decided to complete all projects initiated by previous administrations. This shows that you are truly a man of God,” he said.
Akpabio commended the Chairman of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, and the airline’s management team for the acquisition of the aircraft.
He assured the people of Akwa Ibom of continued cooperation between the state government and the leadership of the National Assembly in advancing the development of the state.
“I am assuring us all that this state will never experience what other states experienced in the past between their Governor and the President of the Senate.
“As a good student of history, I have made up my mind that rather than fight with my Governor, I will join hands with him to develop our state,” Akpabio declared.
He also commended former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, for creating Akwa Ibom State from the former Cross River State in September 1987.
Earlier, Eno thanked Akpabio for honouring the invitation to formally commission the Airbus A220-300 Series aircraft on behalf of the state.
The governor declared September, the month in which Akwa Ibom State was created, as a month of appreciation, urging the people to appreciate God for how far He had brought the state and its people.
Eno described the acquisition of the Airbus as part of Ibom Air’s fleet expansion drive and thanked past leaders of the state for the vision and foundations they laid for the development of the aviation industry.
He said the state had reached a new stage in the growth of its aviation sector, noting that the latest acquisition was a continuation of the efforts initiated by previous administrations.
The governor said the aircraft acquisition demonstrated the state government’s determination to expand Ibom Air and strengthen the aviation industry in Akwa Ibom.
